Illustration: Chen Xia/GT

On New Year's Day, the shortlist for the 37th Galaxy Award, widely recognized China's premier sci-fi award, was officially announced. Notably, singer-songwriter Gloria Tang Sze-wing, widely known by her stage name G.E.M. (Get Everybody Moving), was included in the Best Original Book Award category for her full-length science fiction novel The Path of Revelation. This news has sparked widespread discussions within cultural circles as well as among readers. It marks the first time since its establishment in 1985 that the Galaxy Award has shortlisted a mainstream pop singer for this honor.

The novel was shortlisted under the newly introduced Industry Award category. Unlike the traditional Featured Fiction Award, the Industry Award is open to science fiction books published domestically in 2025, with nominees selected by the editorial board. A total of 20 books were nominated in total.

The final judges panel for this year's Galaxy Awards was co-chaired by A Lai, a vice chairman of the Chinese Writers Association, and Liu Cixin, a leading figure in Chinese science fiction literature and Hugo Award winner. This composition underscores the award's professionalism and authority.

The inclusion of The Path of Revelation on the shortlist was no accident. According to publicly available information, G.E.M. delved into systematic research on topics like quantum mechanics and cosmic origins for the novel and consulted a team of advisors from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The story constructs a metaverse with a triple-layered structure - the idyllic "Elysium," its counterpart "Wasteland" and the real world - weaving them together to explore the boundaries between the virtual and the real.

Purchase links from G.E.M.'s studio show two editions of the book are available: a Paperback Edition priced at 89 yuan ($12.70) and a Deluxe Collector's Edition at 298 yuan. Once pre-orders began, sales of the Deluxe Collector's Edition quickly surpassed 200,000 copies, reported the Shanghai Observer. 

On Thursday, while sharing her year-end review for 2025, G.E.M. mentioned the release of The Path of Revelation, stating that it had fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming an author. 

In 2022, G.E.M. released her album Revelation, for which she produced 14 music videos that together form a complete sci-fi series. She then spent the next three years expanding this world into the 200,000-word full-length novel The Path of Revelation.

In terms of reception, some readers have praised the novel for the vast imagination on display. However, other critics argue that the novel's sci-fi elements are relatively weak, feeling it is closer to a romance novel. Additionally, some note that as a new author, G.E.M.'s writing style is still somewhat unpolished. Despite these criticisms, many acknowledge that for a debut novel, the work is still commendable and encouraging.

This marks a significant artistic leap for the singer-songwriter, transitioning from music to literature as a new medium of expression.

G.E.M. is not the only musician exploring science fiction writing. Another Chinese singer, Zeng Yike, published her sci-fi novel TAYOUZI1 Yinke Xiazai (lit: silver shell download). On the international stage, US singer-songwriter Sarah Pinsker has achieved even greater recognition in the genre, having won both the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award.

G.E.M.'s crossover attempt has opened up new possibilities for Chinese science fiction literature. Traditionally, the readership for sci-fi novels has predominantly consisted of males aged 20-40. However, G.E.M.'s fanbase spans various age groups and genders, and her work has attracted many readers, who previously had little exposure to this literary genre.

Despite the massive success of The Three-Body Problem written by Liu Cixin, science fiction literature remains a niche genre in China. The fact that China has the Galaxy Award, initiated by Science Fiction World magazine, as its primary authoritative award - compared to the internationally recognized Hugo and Nebula Awards -  highlights the greater momentum needed for the genre to "break into the mainstream."  

Just as the film and television adaptations of The Three-Body Problem significantly amplified its influence, some readers note that "Chinese sci-fi writing has always existed in a delicate state where promotion through popular culture would undoubtedly bring more benefits than drawbacks."

"Even if it just gets more people interested in sci-fi novels, that's already a good thing," one netizen remarked.

In an era where the "dimensional walls" between media are increasingly blurring, breaking down the boundaries between creators in the arts and embracing the ways of communication in the internet age can unlock richer possibilities for a new wave of popular culture.

Judging by the fact that The Path of Revelation is currently only at the preliminary selection stage, it still has a long way to go before contending for the final award. There's no need to be too critical of its nomination. Whether it's sci-fi literature or the Galaxy Award itself, what's needed is more reader attention and more industrial models that lend support.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn